1908 V-Nickel

The V-Nickel is an iconic piece of American coinage not only because of how long ago it was produced, but also due to the fact that the coin was so crucial in the day-to-day lives of millions of Americans. Despite being minted over 100 years ago, many V-Nickels have survived and are still around today. Unfortunately, because of how much these coins were used, very few have survived the years in excellent condition.

For collectors, the condition of a coin is everything because most every collector only wants to add pristine pieces to their collection. With regard to the 1908 V-Nickel, finding a well-preserved piece is no cakewalk.

Grading the 1908 V-Nickel

While a coin can have collectible value regardless of the condition it is in, for coins of this age you really need to focus on the coin’s condition. Only coins that are in near-perfect condition will be highly sought after by collectors. Finding coins in such shape can prove to be difficult, however, given the amount of time these coins have been around.

When you are judging a coin’s physical condition, you are effectively trying to determine how that coin might be graded by a professionally recognized coin grading company. You can use the specifications below as a guide to see what a graded V-Nickel might look like.

Uncirculated: Coins in this condition are typically what is desired by serious coin collectors. These coins have never been used in circulation, and do not have any of the typical damage and wear that is commonly associated with circulation coins. Looking at these coins, it may be hard to believe they were minted decades ago. They will appear to be brand new, as if they were just minted today.

Extremely Fine: Coins that are given a grade of extremely fine may have some slight damage, although they may still be sought after by collectors. To have this grade, any damage must be very minimal, and may only be noticeable under a close visual inspection. Coins in this condition are just one grade below uncirculated.

Fine: Coins that have been assigned a grade of fine have been widely used and circulated for some time, often decades or longer. The major features of these coins, such as images or text, remain fully intact. The coins can, however, have some serious surface damage and wear.

Good: Most of the V-Nickels available today for purchase would fall into this type. These coins have been used extensively over the years, and they may show their age with significant and obvious imperfections. Coin collectors will often avoid these types of coins in favor of similar coins in superior condition.

Pricing the 1908 V-Nickel

When trying to estimate the value of a coin, you must determine the coin’s condition and how it might be graded. Collectors greatly value coin condition, and coins that are better preserved will often sell for much higher premiums than similar coins that have damage. The chart below can help you get an idea of what you might expect to pay for a 1908 V-Nickel based on the coin’s condition.

V-Nickels

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1908 V Nickel	$2	$4	$30	$60
Source: Red Book